Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,215,138 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA — including 138,663 crashes, 56,255 fires, and 8,561 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim — NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,215,138 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports — when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report — that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints — specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened — feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 72,878 complaints — component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Incident date: Sep 1, 2021
I've gone through 6 batteries in 1 year and I still have to keep jumping my vehicle Everytime I start it. I am currently stranded in Walmart parking lot with no jumper cables and I am being forced to walk now. Also there are times when I am driving down the highway and at any given moment it acts as if I stomped on the brakes. The lights go off and on, the windows roll up and down, the door locks ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
Vehicle has been consuming oil between oil changes. Recently the ABS, Down hill assist, and traction control lights came on. We took it to the dealer and were advised it was a wheel speed sensor in the passenger rear, but they wanted over $600 so we did not repair. Two days later all the lights went off and we had no issues. A month later I drove to Florida, checked and filled the oil with a lit... Read more
Incident date: Jun 30, 2023
When driving, ALL lights on the dash went on and vehicle safety features did not work- no cruise control, automatic breaking, automatic headlight adjustments, etc. We were over 500 miles from home and had the oil changed but it did not fix the problem. Had $72,000 miles on it, 4 years old. We had to drive home that distance to get it repaired over a 2-3 day period. No safety features were enabl... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2023
Electrical system shut off and I lost control of car
Incident date: May 25, 2023
My concern is a potential unintended acceleration forward as. I was. parking vechicle. Sudden burst of speed, went thru shrubbery and off a 2 foot wall. Felt as if we were taking off a runway in a plane. Car went nose up over the wall and then dropped into a neighbor yard digging a divot, ripping rear left fender and bumper with some undercarriage problems. My spouse and I were seatbelted and not ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
Computer system failure ABS system not functioning causing driving functions not working. Problem continuously reproduced by independents and finally by Dealer. Dashboard lights on, engine, tracking, ABS, Brak and other lights. MPG reduced with speedometer down to zero while driving.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2023
I was driving at approximately 30 mph when the transmission's OSS (Output Speed sensor) suddenly malfunctioned, causing an unexpected downshift into first gear. This abrupt shift led to a loss of control, resulting in a harrowing collision with a tree. What I witnessed next is etched into my memory forever: a scene of blood, fluorescent white bone fragments, and shattered glass strewn all around. ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Dec 12, 2022
Vehicle suddenly stalls with no prior warning, both while driving and at rest. This cannot be duplicated and does not throw codes on the code scanner. Occasionally it will "hiccup" and keep going instead of a complete stall. RPM drops to zero and will then jump back to their prior reading. The vehicle becomes impossible to control (stalled so no speed st all abd difficult to steer). Mechanic cann... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2022
Sudden acceleration when braking caused crash of 2011 Toyota RAV4 and driver injury. Making a right turn into a parking space that faces a concrete wall, I had my foot on the brake to slow the car down to park, going about five miles an hour. Still riding the brake, never having moved my foot off it, when I was about two feet from the wall I pressed on the brake to ease into a stop. Instead, the ... Read more
Crash
1 injured
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2021) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Sep 1, 2023
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
While driving 70mph on highway, all lights on dash illuminated, lane assist malfunctioned, wipers went on, blinkers stopped working, vehicle lost speed quickly. Was able to move it off the road, but stopped running before being completely on shoulder. Vehicle would not turn on again in any capacity and hazard warning lights would not function. Needed to have vehicle towed, awaiting final report on... Read more
Incident date: Nov 8, 2022
I have 2014 Hyundai Elantra it unsafe to drive put in drive it wouldn’t go forward . It jerky hard to go. Failure of light. Transmission.steer clutch shaft
Incident date: Jan 10, 2023
First I had an oil leak which I was advised to warm my car up to prevent from getting worse. At the time I was told it was minor. Then my oil light started coming up every 2 weeks and when checked there was no oil. Now 2 months later, my car has stopped and showed a blinking check engine light. When checked I was told a code of p1326 which is the knock sensor. I have only had my car 7 months and i... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
AMG GLA45
(2017) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 31, 2023
Incident date: Feb 7, 2023
For the third time in 37000 miles the abs system including ABS system and electronic brake system has failed. This has been repaired around 15000 miles and recently at 35000 and it went out again at 37000 miles. Didn't last 2500 miles after last repair. When this happens trailer brakes quit functioning and cruise control also quits working as well as every few minutes the system gives you a contin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 24, 2023
While on a 65 mph enforced highway, cruise control was turned on via the button on the steering wheel. The digital cruise control set itself at 110 mph and the vehicle began to accelerate to match the speed. Aside from turning on the cruise control, no other buttons on the steering wheel were pushed. The car’s cruise control feature had previously been set at 70 mph to match current conditions... Read more
Incident date: Aug 2, 2023
The computer component surged, and the vehicle is available for inspection. The vehicle brake function is lost. Stepping on the brake paddle did not apply brake. Brake function was disabled by the computer. I took the vehicle to dealer, they said it was a component that has high resistance that cause it. But not sure why it has high resistance at that time and the resistance is gone after driver... Read more
Incident date: May 26, 2023
I was pulling up to a ticket machine in a parking garage. I had my foot on the accelerator and was using regenerative braking and was essentially stopped. I was short a few inches from the button to get the ticket so applied almost no pressure to the accelerator – more like a tap so I could go forward a few inches. The car went into full acceleration mode, broke through the ticket machine barrie... Read more
Crash
1 injured
Incident date: Jul 24, 2023
The ABS light and traction control lights appear on the dash board. After 500 miles I'm no longer able to drive the RV. I bought this rv van back in 2019, i'm the 2nd owner. It has 59,500 miles. I've already replaced both the rear wheel speed sensors in 2020. Replaced both front wheel speed sensors in May 2021 and now the front right wheel speed sensor went out again 8/18/2023. The rear wheel spee... Read more
Incident date: Jul 30, 2023
Wrench indicator warning light led to diagnosis that transmission replacement is needed. Verified (twice) by Ford Service Department and Reputable Ford Mechanic. Defective 10 speed automatic transmission: shift solenoids cause gears to shift up and down erratically, occasionally shifting with a jolt or bang.
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
When my car is in cruise control it sometimes applies the brake when the car in front of me is taking an off ramp. Even when car is out of my lane the car might aggressively apply the brakes. Sometimes applies the brakes because a car in front of me changes lanes. It only does it if they go to a lane that is right of my car. I do not tailgate so I feel that this is dangerous as I drive on I-95 and... Read more
Incident date: Aug 31, 2023
My car lurches when I put it into gear, drive or reverse. When a red light turns green and I put my foot on the accelerator the car will lurch forward. I was in my garage when I started my car and my foot was firmly on the brake as I shifted into reverse with my foot on the brake the car violently lurched backwards.
Incident date: Aug 12, 2023
As I was driving, my vehicle completely stopped in traffic. All vehicle functions became disabled. Even when putting the car in neutral, it would not budge. Had it not been for construction workers helping me, I could have been killed due to the heavy traffic flow.
Incident date: Aug 5, 2023
I bought Tesla in May 2023. My Tesla Model Y has suddenly accelerated in my garage on 08/29 @8.25pm EST and damaged my garage front door/drywall and broken my stair case in pieces. It was phantom acceleration. I have video from my ring security system camera video which shows clearly that I was parking in my garage extremely carefully, however the Tesla Model Y suddenly accelerated beyond my contr... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 30, 2023
The brake lights stay on all the time, thus preventing vehicles behind mine from knowing if I'm actually stopping. Hence, they may stop without reason, and endanger drivers behind them. The manufacturer has likely known of this being an issue in Sonatas from, at least, 2007 through 2013 models. The manufacturer is putting the task of solving the problem (if that's even possible), upon a dealer. ... Read more
MERCEDES-BENZ
A 220
(2020) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 30, 2023
Incident date: Jun 11, 2023
I saw a recall on certain Hyundai models...I have a similar problem maybe twice with this 2022 Hyundai Venue....Traveling down the highway with Cruise set at 65...The car started to accelerate to 80 before I turn the cruise off...don't know if it's something wrong with the cruise...or just 2 mishaps .....just asking if anyone else has complained....thanks
Incident date: Jan 5, 2023
While driving in cruise control mode, not auto steer, and with no vehicle in or obvious obstruction in front, the brakes will be applied without warning (phantom braking). It has happened multiple time in the years of ownership. It has happened once or twice with a vehicle following resulting in near rear-end collision. In one case this resulted in the follower reacting with "road rage," passin... Read more
Incident date: Aug 19, 2023
My car will intermittently lose power, such as in the middle of an intersection, or turning in front of another vehicle, which puts me and my children at risk. The transmission is throwing a code for overheating and malfunctioning, and there is an open customer satisfaction bulletin for the transmission control module, but Ford refuses to replace it because it’s not throwing “the correct code ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
This is a report of a RECURRING problem commonly known as "phantom braking." When I take long trips in this vehicle at legal freeway speeds and with the Adaptive Cruise Control and Auto Steer (lane keeping) functions engaged, the vehicle will occasionally reduce speed suddenly and violently (emergency braking) even if there are no vehicles ahead and no visible hazards whatsoever. This occurs wit... Read more
Incident date: Jan 1, 2015
I have 2017 Dodge ram 2500.12/09/19 the anti lock brake system control and hcu module was replaced under warranty. Now august 2023 with 27,900 miles the same problem has occurred with the dealer recommending the ABS control module and HCU be replaced. the parts will not be avaiable until January 2024. If a Abs module failure is not serious what is. A check of the internet shows a tremendous amo... Read more
Incident date: Aug 7, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Honda Accord. The contact stated while her husband was at a stationary at a traffic light, the vehicle accelerated independently. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been experienced several times. The contact stated that her husband depressed the brake pedal to fully stop the vehicle; however, intermittently he had t... Read more
Incident date: Aug 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle lost motive power after 45 minutes. The RPM increased, and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The driver was able to pull over. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact s... Read more
VOLKSWAGEN
ID.4
(2021) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 30, 2023
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
Car is equipped with Distronic cruise and has maximum 4 car lengths stopping distance. It was set on 4 car length. While driving north on 55 fwy and exiting to 405 fwy in California. Exit (single lane) was dead stop due to traffic and while I was on cruising at 70 mph. Car would not stop and I had to take over to stop- hard braking just in time. The SUV behind me had to swear to emergency lane ( r... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
The steering wheel controls on our 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 are haptic. That means that if you brush them with your fingers or hand with light pressure, they can activate. When leaving a neighborhood street, I turned the steering wheel approximately 180 degrees to pull out from a parking spot next to the curb. Upon releasing my grip a bit on the steering wheel (to let it rotate back to 'straight') m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
The car lost acceleration power when driving, showed no codes, and displayed a message to shift to park and restart car. This incident happened twice including after the car was taken to the dealer, who could not find anything wrong with the car. A google search revealed several 2018 vehicles with that problem and a recall for 2017 models and earlier; however, the 2018 model has not been recalled ... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2023
A known wire chaffing problem for this make/model caused vehicle to loose all transmission power. Doors unlocked and locked on their own while moving the vehicle. Had two young children with me in 100+ degree weather. Truck finally moved in first gear at 20 mph max to get home on the road with other traffic.
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
ABS TRACTION CONTROL BRAKING ISSUES AND DANGER. ONLY HAS 24K MILES GARAGE KEPT
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
Driving approx. 45 mph when truck lost acceleration. Truck began making clanking sound and check engine light came on and electronic throttle control light. Almost got into an accident due to someone almost rear ending me and then had to coast into a parking lot when I lost total control of all steering and almost hit a parked car. Truck would not restart, had to call for a tow back home that wa... Read more
Incident date: Jul 21, 2023
From Aug 23 to 28, 2023, we traveled in our 2020 Tesla Model S Long Range Plus vehicle from Santa Fe, NM to San Diego, CA and back, for a total distance of approximate 2100 miles. We drove primarily interstates (I-25, I-10, I-8, I-5) where speed limits ranged from 55 to 75. We experienced numerous instances of what is known to Tesla owners as sudden, severe "phantom braking" [hereinafter PB] wh... Read more
Incident date: Aug 14, 2023
While driving home from a trip , the car suddenly lost power . and engine light came on an then transmission light overheating light came on . I was near a town pulled over and had car towed to nearest Hyundai dealer. after waiting a week they finally looked at the vehicle, and said that mice had eaten the transmission electrical harness. Days later they repaired the damage, their was only 6000 m... Read more
Incident date: Aug 15, 2023
Antilock Brake and Traction control warning lights alert with dashboard message intermittently notifying to "service electronic brake system" and "service antilock brakes". Warnings come and go and may stay off for several days. When in warning mode, cruise control is de-activated; either shutting off, if set, or not allowing use. Dealer repaired by replacing pump control module (part#68143491AB) ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 2, 2023
This incident singled happen in a 20 or so miles on my way home commute, no freeway drive. I was driving pulling out of a parking street when I notice the vehicle tendency to pull me forward, even though I was preparing to stop. It continue to have this issue at a stop sign and traffic light. at first it was mild pull as if you are being towed. Sporadic pushing forward, but when I turned to the le... Read more
Incident date: Aug 29, 2023
Took car in back in April 2022 to settle the recall. After servicing the car the abs and two other sensor lights came on, it’s now August 2023 it has less than 100,000 miles and it’s less than 10 years.
Incident date: Jul 10, 2023
The front camera system has failed. The cables need replacing, which was diagnosed by a Ford dealer. I have no collision assist, no cruise control, no lane keeping abilities, nothing that has to do with the camera in front. This is a known problem that Ford is not admitting to. All years of the Mach-E are having this issue, frequently. It has put myself and others on the road in danger by not... Read more
Incident date: Jul 1, 2023
Vehicle started displaying “Service Electronic Braking System” and “Service Anti-Lock Brakes” intermittently and rapidly, during normal driving. Problem appears at random, and when it happens, the cruise control cuts out causing loss of speed. Truck shows code C0020-01 with an ABS code reader, meaning that either the Hydraulic Control Unit or Anti Lock Brake Module (or both) require replac... Read more
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
Transmission jerks. Cvt transmission causing significant issues. Have already changed faulty valve body, mass air flow sensor, and idle control sensor.
Incident date: Feb 9, 2023
Since I got the car in 2018 the car does a jutter I went to a mechanic and they hooked it up to the computer and did a diagnostic and that's what it's called a judder the car keeps stuttering when it hits past 23 mph. As the years went on it has gotten worse and worse and Nissan will not cover it even though they're at fault for it I don't know what to do because certain mechanics are charging $3,... Read more
Incident date: Aug 9, 2023
I was parking car. Car unexpectedly accelerated, hit object in front of me & continued accelerating off road into a field until I got car into neutral. Car has not been inspected for cause. At time of accident I assumed I made an error. Danger is car was going extremely fast with no control to stop. Drive off road maybe 20 feet after hitting a manual water pump (at campsite). There were childr... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 27, 2023
I was coming to a stop due to a train passing by. As I got closer to the other vehicles that were waiting for the train, I let go of the acceleration and then the vehicle on its own launched forward rear ending the car in front of me.
Crash
Incident date: Aug 21, 2023
I was backing up my car very slowly from my friend's drive way to center of street, all the sudently the car lost control, keep backing up with very fast speed 360 degree to hit neighber's front yard wall and concrete street light. back of my car smasshed and total lost.
Crash
1 injured
JEEP
GRAND CHEROKEE
(2014) — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Aug 28, 2023
Incident date: Aug 10, 2023
Driving on wet road, braking system acting strange. Slowed down, dashboard lit up, tried to get off freeway and ended up spinning into wall. Drove home 30 miles on back roads, then slowed down at intersection, dashboard lit up again, parking brake engaged, vehicle locked up, dash kept flashing, could not start vehicle or put in neutral. Dealer states there were multiple failed brake system al... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Aug 28, 2023
We were driving on the highway at about 65 MPH. Without warning, the vehicle suddenly started to struggle and slowed to about 40 MPH. We were able to safely pull over, but we were in an acceleration lane merging onto another highway and didn't feel safe due to the sudden deceleration. This is a plug-in hybrid. We have driven at 65+ MPH on long rides before, and this was the first time that we not... Read more